Victoria Esses: Championing Newcomer Integration for 15 Years
Renowned Researcher's Dedication Shapes the LMLIP's Impact on Community Welcoming
When Dr Victoria Esses joined the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) 15 years ago, she brought more than just her academic expertise. She envisioned a more welcoming community for newcomers, rooted in her experiences with the Welcoming Cultural Diversity in London Steering Committee.
"I had a lot of respect for the people involved in that earlier initiative," Dr Esses recalls, "and knew that together we could make London and Middlesex more welcoming for newcomers."
This personal commitment has been the driving force behind her 15-year journey with LMLIP. This partnership has significantly shaped the landscape of immigrant integration in the region.
As a Professor of Psychology at the University of Western Ontario and Director of the Centre for Research on Migration and Ethnic Relations, Dr Esses has brought valuable insights to LMLIP's initiatives. Her research on immigration and cultural diversity has informed strategies that have made tangible differences in newcomers' lives.
The annual All Are Welcome Here event is one of LMLIP's crowning achievements under Dr Esses' guidance. "It now attracts a large and diverse set of participants from our community," she notes proudly. "It is successful in fulfilling major goals of the LMLIP, such as combatting individual and systemic racism and discrimination and promoting a more welcoming community for all."
The impact of LMLIP's work extends far beyond single events. Dr Esses points to community surveys demonstrating concrete improvements: "LMLIP is seen as having improved referrals among organisations, improved the services offered to newcomers including increased coordination of services, and has made London and Middlesex a more welcoming community for newcomers." These tangible improvements reassure us of the initiative's effectiveness and its positive impact on our community.
For Dr Esses, one of the most rewarding aspects of her LMLIP experience has been witnessing the power of collaboration. "Seeing all our partners come together around the LMLIP table and demonstrate their eagerness to work together toward common goals" highlights her tenure. This sense of community is what makes LMLIP a truly inclusive and impactful initiative.
Looking ahead to LMLIP's 20th anniversary, Dr Esses envisions continued growth and recognition. "In the next five years, I hope the LMLIP will continue the good work that it is doing and be even more effective in reaching its goals," she says. "I also would like to see additional recognition for this great work." This vision for the future inspires hope and excitement for what LMLIP can achieve in the coming years.
As LMLIP celebrates its 15th anniversary, Dr Esses' unwavering commitment is a testament to the organisation’s enduring impact. Her parting words encapsulate the spirit driving LMLIP's success: "To me, LMLIP means committed individuals who want to make our community a better place to live for all."